The Stigma of Chronic Migraine

Those who suffer with migraine headaches have more than just the pain to deal with, they must also get past the stigma which migraine sufferers frequently face. After all, how bad can it be?

Many migraine sufferers have always felt as if they are being singled out as different or making too much out of a mere headache. For those who have never suffered through the debilitating pain of migraines, they don’t realize how life-altering they can be. Many people seem to simply brush off migraines and other severe headaches as pain you’re making too much of.

The stigma of migraines can be likened to that which befalls people with epilepsy or those who suffer from panic attacks. Because epilepsy can bring on sudden and unpredictable seizures, oftentimes, this condition can carry a stigma with it. People who suffer panic attacks, also know the unpredictability of such attacks, and how they are stigmatized for it, too.

Almost 30 million Americans suffer with migraine pain. Symptoms of migraines can be severe headache, sensitivity to light, and nausea. Often bed rest is the only migraine relief they find.

Unfortunately, many people don’t want to work or have relationships with people who suffer from certain ailments. These include asthma, panic attacks, epilepsy, and migraines. This ultimately leads to missed days at work, or time spent with family and friends.

According to a study conducted by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, findings have concluded that those with migraine headaches do suffer significant stigma in life. Even more so than those with epilepsy.

As with any other medical issue, those who don’t suffer the pain of migraines, may have a hard time understanding just how bad the pain can be. This may be due to the fact that many people have headaches, but get through them without much trouble. They take a pill and the pain goes away.

The idea that a headache can cause such disabling symptoms has them stumped. The empathy for such a headache is just not there. Attitudes at work often don’t make situations any better, either.

If you do suffer severe headaches and are wondering what causes migraines, you should talk to your doctor about it. Pain management in Phoenix is available for your migraine pain. Don’t believe what a non-migraine sufferer tells you. Take your life back with migraine relief today.